Movies shown at local theaters are marked as follows: MJR (MJR Cinema 20 in Southgate), AMC (AMC Star Taylor), AP (Allen Park Theater), IMAX (Henry Ford IMAX Theatre in Dearborn).
CHILDREN OF MEN — Based on the novel by P.D. James, a futuristic society faces extinction when the human race has lost the ability to reproduce. England has descended into chaos until an iron-handed warden institutes martial law, but the warden's ability to keep order is threatened when a woman turns up pregnant with what will be the first child born in 27 years. Stars Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Charlie Hunnam and Oana Pellea. Rated R (Universal Pictures). MJR
CODE NAME: THE CLEANERS — The story revolves around Jake, an amnesiac janitor who, after being hit over the head by mysterious assailants, is convinced he is a special forces commando and a captain of industry. Jake is brought back to reality by a waitress who is an undercover FBI agent. Stars Cedric the Entertainer and Lucy Liu. Rated PG-13 (New Line Cinema). MJR, AMC
HAPPILY N'EVER AFTER — An alliance of evildoers led by Frieda (Sigourney Weaver) wants to take over Fairy Tale Land. But when Ella (Sarah Michelle Gellar) realizes her stepmother is out to ruin her storybook existence, she takes a dramatic turn and blossoms into the leader of the resistance effort. Also stars Freddie Prinze Jr., George Carlin and Andy Dick. Rated PG (Lionsgate). MJR, AMC
Hilary Swank stars as a teacher who tries to reach the teens that have gone through racial unrest and riots in Los Angeles in Paramount Pictures' "Freedom Writers."
Paramount Pictures
|
|
FREEDOM WRITERS —Inspired by a true story and the diaries of Long Beach teenagers after the LA riots, teacher Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank) is challenged by a group of black, Latino and Asian gangs who hate her even more than each other. When Erin begins to listen to them in a way no adult has ever done, she begins to understand that for these kids, getting through the day alive is enough. Also stars Scott Glenn, Imelda Staunton and Patrick Dempsey. Rated PG-13 (Paramount Pictures). MJR
THR3E — Based on Ted Dekker's suspense thriller novel, the story follows a young seminary student who has been targeted by a psychopathic killer. The student joins forces with a criminal psychologist whose brother was murdered by the same madman. Together, they must unravel the killer's riddles and catch him before he strikes again. Stars Marc Blucas and Justine Waddell. Rated PG-13 (FoxFaith Movies). MJR
APOCALYTO — A Central American tribesman is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression. Spurred by the power of his love for his wife and family, he makes a desperate break to return home and to ultimately save his way of life. Stars Mauricio Amuy Tenorio, Rudy Youngblood and Gerardo Taracena. Rated R (Touchstone Pictures). MJR, AMC
BLACK CHRISTMAS — A killer terrorizes a sorority house during Christmas break in this remake of 1974's film of the same title. Stars Michelle Trachtenberg, Oliver Hudson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Katie Cassidy and Lacey Chabert. Rated R (The Weinstein Company). MJR, AMC
BLOOD DIAMOND — Set against the backdrop of civil war and chaos in 1990s Sierra Leone, Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a South African mercenary, and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende fisherman, are joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives. Rated R (Warner Bros.). MJR, AMC
CASINO ROYALE — The 21st James Bond film is based on creator Ian Fleming's first novel about the debonair and dangerous British secret agent "007" (Daniel Craig). Rated PG-13 (MGM/Columbia). MJRCHARLOTTE'S WEB —Charlotte the spider, who lives in the rafters, spins a web to save the life of her friend, Wilbur the pig. The cast includes Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, Robert Redford, Reba McEntire and Kathy Bates. Rated G (Paramount Pictures). MJR, AMC
DREAMGIRLS — Set in the turbulent early 1960s to mid-'70s, the film, based on the Broadway play of the same title, follows the rise of a trio of women — Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) — who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. Also stars Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy. Rated PG-13 (Paramount Pictures). MJR
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH — Cashiers Vince (Dax Shepard) and Zack's (Dane Cook) longtime rivalry comes to a head when Amy (Jessica Simpson), a beautiful new cashier, becomes the object of the pair's affection. Also stars Andy Dick and Harland Williams. Rated PG-13 (Lionsgate Films). AP
ERAGON — Eragon, a Dragon Rider, is swept into a world of magic and power to discover he alone has the power to save or destroy an empire. Stars Edward Speleers, Jeremy Irons, Djimon Hounsou and John Malkovich. Rated PG (Twentieth Century Fox). MJR, AMC
THE GOOD SHEPHERD — Matt Damon plays Edward Wilson, who is recruited to work for the OSS, the precursor to the CIA, during World War II. As his methods are adopted as standard operating procedure, Wilson develops into one of the agency's veteran operatives; however, his steely dedication to his country comes at an ever-increasing price. Not even his wife can divert Wilson from a path that will force him to sacrifice everything in pursuit of this job. Also stars Robert De Niro, Angelina Jolie, Joe Pesce and Alec Baldwin. Rated (Universal Pictures). MJR, AMC
HAPPY FEET — Mumble (the voice of Elijah Wood), the worst singer in the world, is born tap dancing to his own tune, getting him thrown out of Emperor land. Voices also provided by Robin Williams, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Rated PG (Warner Bros.). MJR, AMC, IMAX
THE HOLIDAY — Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) of Southern California and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), who lives in a cottage in the English countryside, exchange homes for two weeks just before Christmas. Once the switch is made, Iris meets Miles (Jack Black), a film composer, and Amanda meets Iris' brother, Graham (Jude Law). Also stars Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell and Eli Wallach. Rated PG-13 (Columbia Pictures). MJR, AMC
HURRICANE ON THE BAYOU — Viewers go on a breathtaking tour of the Louisiana bayou and the city of New Orleans, a place overflowing with life, music and natural beauty. Tragically, the wetlands are eroding into the sea at the speed of one acre every thirty minutes, leaving the entire region more vulnerable to major hurricanes. IMAX
THE NATIVITY STORY — The film portrays a two-year period of Mary and Joseph's lives, culminating in their leaving Nazareth and journeying 100 miles to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. Stars Keisha Castle-Hughes and Shohreh Aghdashloo. Rated PG (New Line Cinema). MJR
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM — When Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), a good-hearted dreamer, accepts what appears to be a menial job as a graveyard-shift security guard at a museum of natural history, extraordinary things begin to occur — Mayans, Roman gladiators and cowboys emerge from their dioramas to wage epic battles. Also stars Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney and Kim Raver. Rated PG (Twentieth Century Fox). MJR, AMC
OPEN SEASON — Boog (the voice of Martin Lawrence), a grizzly bear with no survival skills, meets Elliot (Ashton Kutcher), a fast-talking mule deer who attempts to "free" him from an idyllic existence with Park Ranger Beth (Debra Messing), who raised him from a cub. The voice cast also includes Jon Favreau, Billy Connolly and Paul Westerberg. Rated PG (Columbia Pictures). AP
THE POLAR EXPRESS: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE —Based on Chris Van Allsburg's book, this computer animated film tells of a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. IMAX
THE PRESTIGE — In 1878, two young stage magicians clash in a darkened saloon during a fraudulent seance. From that moment on, their lives became webs of deceit and exposure, secrets and revelations as they feud to outwit and destroy each other. Stars Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, David Bowie and Scarlett Johansson. Rated PG-13 (Touchstone Pictures). AP
THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS — Chris Gardner (Will Smith), a marginally employed salesman and a single father of a 5-year-old son (Jaden Smith), is evicted from his apartment, with no place to go. He lands an unpaid intern position at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, but has to live in shelters and endure many hardships as he pursues his dream of security for himself and his son. Rated PG-13 (Columbia Pictures). MJR, AMC
ROCKY BALBOA — After a virtual boxing match declares Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) the victor over current champion Mason Dixon (Antonio Tarver), the legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited. Balboa must weigh the mental and physical risks of a high-profile exhibition match against his need to be in the ring. Also stars Burt Young, Milo Ventimiglia, Tony Burton and James Francis. Rated R (MGM). MJR, AMC
ROVING MARS — The reality of the Mars surface as seen through the eyes of the Mars rovers — Spirit and Opportunity — is shown up close and personal as the Rovers travel over the rugged terrain. IMAX
THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE — Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) once again juggles a full house of family and the mischievous Jack Frost (Martin Short), who is trying to take over Santa's holiday. Also stars Wendy Crewson and Judge Reinhold. Rated G (Walt Disney Pictures). AP
SAW III — With his new apprentice, Amanda (Shawnee Smith), Jig-saw (Tobin Bell), the puppet-master behind the cruel, intricate games that have terrified a community and baffled police, has once again vanished. Also stars Dina Meyer and Kim Roberts. Rated R (Lionsgate Films). AP
WE ARE MARSHALL — Based on true events, the film tells the story of a small town in West Virginia where football is a way of life. Returning home after a game in North Carolina in 1970, 37 members of the team, along with coaching staff and team boosters, were killed in an airplane crash. Afterward, as the town strives to deal with the loss, a young coach tries to rebuild the team. Stars Matthew McConaughy and Matthew Fox. Rated PG (Warner Bros.). MJR
GO
Generalinfo
